"Tars says he took down a Zodangan battle corsair with his bare hands the first day he met him. That was before Dotar Sojat became Jeddak of the Thark. He was with him in the arena, watched him kill two white apes, one of them by letting him eat him and then bursting out through his heart."

"The greatest warrior Barsoom has ever known and Helium stole him away from us."

"No, she did not have to steal him. He went willingly." There was a round of knowing laughter.

Sola touched Edgar's arm again and held out a rough thrown clay goblet. "Drink. This is just water. It will help clear your head."